Sixty percent of Virginians want recreational marijuana sold in stores, according to a major new poll released Wednesday. The strong backing comes as Democratic lawmakers push bills through the General Assembly that would finally open legal retail shops in 2025.
The survey from Christopher Newport University’s Wason Center for Civic Leadership found clear majority support across age groups, regions, and even political lines, with only Republicans remaining cool to the idea.
Poll Details Reveal Broad Backing
The Wason Center questioned 1,004 registered Virginia voters between February 4 and 13, 2024. The results carry a margin of error of plus or minus 3.3 percentage points.
Key findings:
- 60 percent support legal retail sales for adults 21 and older
- 36 percent oppose
- 4 percent are unsure
Support breaks down sharply by party:
- Democrats: 74 percent yes
- Independents: 59 percent yes
- Republicans: 38 percent yes
Younger voters showed the strongest enthusiasm. Seventy-one percent of those aged 18-44 back legal sales, compared to 51 percent of voters 65 and older.
Lawmakers Move Fast This Session
Democrats regained full control of the legislature in 2023 and wasted no time. Senate Bill 448 and House Bill 698 both cleared key committees last week and are headed to floor votes.
If passed, the bills would allow retail sales to begin May 1, 2025. The state would license up to 450 retail stores, 75 cultivation facilities, and set a 21 percent tax on cannabis products.
Revenue would fund pre-K education, addiction treatment, and public transportation projects. Supporters point to estimates of $300 million to $500 million in new state revenue each year once the market matures.
Virginia already legalized possession of up to one ounce and home growing of up to four plants in 2021. But because no legal stores exist, people still buy on the black market or from “gifting” shops that operate in legal gray areas.
Governor Youngkin Stands Firm Against Sales
Republican Governor Glenn Youngkin has repeatedly said he will veto any retail sales bill. He argues the state should focus on public safety and protecting children instead of creating a new commercial marijuana industry.
Youngkin blocked similar legislation in 2022 and 2023. Democrats need only simple majorities to pass the bills again this year, but overriding a veto requires a two-thirds vote in each chamber, a threshold they do not currently have.
Lawmakers hope the fresh 60 percent poll numbers will pressure moderate Republicans to break with the governor.
What Happens Next
The Senate Finance and Appropriations Committee could vote on SB 448 as early as next week. The full Senate and House are expected to take up the measures before the session ends March 9.
If Youngkin vetoes the bills, advocates say they will bring the issue straight to voters through a 2025 ballot initiative, an option Virginia voters have never had before because the state constitution does not currently allow citizen initiatives.
Either way, momentum appears to be on the side of legalization. Three years after Virginia became the first Southern state to legalize possession, the public is now loudly saying it is time to finish the job and open legal stores.
The message from voters is clear: they want safe, regulated marijuana available for adults, and they want the tax money to help schools and roads instead of lining the pockets of dealers.
